AN 11-year-old girl who was knocked down by a car on a busy Worcester road has spoken her first words since the accident more than six weeks ago.

When McAyla Johnston said “mum” and “dad” members of the family and nurses at the hospital wept tears of joy.

McAyla is also getting well-wishes from some of the world’s best footballers as she continues to make remarkable pro-gress on what will still be a lengthy recovery.Her dad David Lamb said he was working when McAyla spoke in front of mum Terri at Birmingham Children’s Hospital on Monday.

“Talk about how to break your heart in one swift movement,” he said.

“When she did it though everyone was crying. Even the nurses were crying.

“It’s good news. They are very slow words but sound is coming out.

“Obviously the brain is sending the message.

“Over the weekend she was mouthing ‘yes’ and ‘no’ but there was no sound but something is repairing itself and getting itself sorted.”

Mr Lamb, of Foxwell Street, off London Road, said McAyla’s physiotherapy sessions are also helping to build her strength up.

He is determined she will one day be able to walk in to the Intensive Care Unit, where she was first cared for, and thank the staff.

“That’s a mission of mine so it will have to be a mission of hers,” said the 40-year-old. “It’s hard work for her. You can see she’s in pain and she cries but she is so determined to do it.”

Your Worcester News previously reported how McAyla was hit by a car in London Road, near Tesco Express, on Sunday, September 7 – the day before she was due to start Nunnery Wood High School.

The injuries she suffered meant doctors thought she would almost certainly be moderately to severely disabled requiring around-the-clock care for the rest of her life.

However, the story of McAyla, who is suffering with acquired brain injury (ABI), has moved some of the world’s best footballers at her favourite club, Chelsea.

A personally signed letter from club and England captain John Terry said the whole team hoped she would get better soon.

“I understand that you are a big Chelsea supporter so I hope it brings a smile to your face to know that the team, coaching staff and everyone at Chelsea Football Club are thinking of you and wishing you well,” wrote the England captain.

As well as that, McAyla was also sent a package filled with goodies including personally signed pictures of some of the squad members, including her favourite player Frank Lampard.

Mr Lamb said he had also received a cheque from neighbours which he said he would put towards taking McAyla to Spain once she is much better because she has never been on holiday abroad.

Information on McAyla’s injuries, latest condition, and progress is on mcayla.com.